Material forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a material forming method and apparatus for use in forming a series of predetermined shaped configurations in a length of material. More particularly, this invention includes a series of material forming heads. Each of the material forming heads includes complementary material bending means for forming a predetermined shape in a length of material. The series of material forming heads are supported on the material forming apparatus in a position to receive a length of material to be formed. Control means is operatively associated with the material forming heads for effecting a material forming operation. The control means includes automatic means for stopping the forming operation after the material has been formed to a predetermined shape. The control means is selectively setable whereby the shape of the material can be adjusted to a desired set position. The series of material forming heads are supported on the material forming apparatus and operatively associated with each other whereby the heads are moveable relative to each other in response to the material being formed to a predetermined shaped configuration. The material bending means includes spaced material contacting and guide means detailed to prevent damage to the length of material during a forming operation.

United States Patent [191 Katogir [45] Mar. 27, 1973 MATERIAL FORMINGAPPARATUS 22 Filed: Nov. 17,1970

21 Appl. No.: 90,318

[52] US. Cl ..72/383, 72/384, 72/DIG. 16 [51] Int. Cl. ..B21d 11/07 [58]Field of Search ..72/308, 383, 384, 385, 386,

X 72/389, 427, DlG. l6

Primary ExaminerLowell A. Larson Att0rneyNewton, Hopkins & Ormsby [57]ABSTRACT This invention relates to a material forming method andapparatus for use in forming a series of predetermined shapedconfigurations in a length of material. More particularly, thisinvention includes a series of material forming heads. Each of thematerial forming heads includes complementary material bending means forforming a predetermined shape in a length of material. The series ofmaterial forming heads are supported on the material forming apparatusin a position to receive a length of material to be formed. Controlmeans is operatively associated with the material forming heads foreffecting a material forming operation. The control means includesautomatic means for stopping the forming operation after the materialhas been formed to a predetermined shape. The control means isselectively setable whereby the shape of the material can be adjusted toa desired set position. The series of material forming heads aresupported on the material forming apparatus and operatively associatedwith each other whereby the heads are moveable relative to each other inresponse to the material being formed to a predetermined shapedconfiguration. The material bending means includes spaced materialcontacting and guide means detailed to prevent damage to the length ofmaterial during a forming operation.

19 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEDmzmn 3,7 2,254

SHEET u or 6 FIG 4 PATENTEDHARZTIQB SHEET 5 BF 6 PATENTEDmzms SHEEI 6 OF6 FIG]! FIG 10- MATERIAL FORMING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn building construction such as supporting a floor structure, a roofstructure or for use as reinforcing in bridge construction, a metaltruss is often utilized to provide the required strength to bridge agiven span.

In the construction of a building support truss as described above, alength of material such as metal stock, is formed into a series ofangular offset shapes. The opposite edges of these angular offset shapesare secured to elongated pieces of angular material. The two elongatedpieces of angular material are oriented in substantially parallelrelationship relative to each other and are secured to the oppositeedges of the offset angular shapes by conventional means, such aswelding. In the construction of building trusses as described above, thestrength of the building truss can be varied by changing the angulardimensions of the shaped configurations.

There have been numerous attempts to design automatic machinery for usein forming a bar joist material for use in the construction of buildingtrusses. However, the prior art bar joist forming devices were extremelycomplex in construction, uneconomical to manufacture and unreliable inoperation.

During the formation of a bar joist into a predetermined shapedconfiguration, the prior art devices would bend the length of materialin such a way as to damage the material adjacent the bending operationthereby reducing the strength of the material for use in a truss. In theprior art bar joist forming machine, after a length of material had beenformed into the desired shape, it was often difficult to remove theformed length of material from the forming apparatus.

The prior art bar joist forming apparatus is not readily adjustable suchthat one machine can be used to form a number of different shapes in thelength of material. Therefore, the manufacturer of building truss usingformed bar joist material had to employ several machines, one for eachparticular shape of material desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes thedisadvantages of the prior art material forming apparatus and basicallyincludes a series of material forming heads supported by spaced guidetrack means for movement from an extended open position to a retractedmaterial forming position. The material forming heads are connectedtogether by linkage control elements for maintaining a fixed angularrelationship between the material forming heads as they move relative toeach other from the extended position to the retracted position. Limitstop control means is operatively associated with the moveable materialforming heads for stopping movement of the material forming heads at apredetermined set position after the material has reached the desiredshape. Power control means is also provided for returning the materialforming heads to the extended position after a forming operation.

Indicator and limit stop control means is provided for setting thematerial forming heads in a selected extended position determined by theparticular dimensions desired in the formed length of material.

Each of the material forming heads includes a first bending meansconnected to a power control cylinder means for effecting movementthereof. A pair of spaced material contacting and guide means is locatedon each of the material forming heads on the opposite side of a lengthof material to provide a second bending means. The first bending meansis detailed to project into the space between the spaced guide means inresponse to operation of the power control cylinder. The spaced guidemeans are moveable from a retracted position in substantially parallelalignment with the iongitudinal axis of an unformed length of materialto a pivoted position in alignment with a portion of a formed length ofmaterial in response to operation of the power control cylinder.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a material formingapparatus having automatic control means for effecting a formingoperation.

A further object of this invention is to provide a material formingapparatus having means for guiding a length of material into a formingposition.

Another object of this invention is to provide a material formingapparatus having means detailed for contacting and guiding the materialduring a forming operation to prevent damage to the length of material.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a materialforming apparatus which includes automatic ejection means for ejecting aformed length of material from the apparatus after a forming operation.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a material formingapparatus which includes selectively setable control means adjustable toa desired set position whereby the material forming apparatus can beutilized in forming different shapes in a length of material.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic controlmeans for stopping a forming operation after the length of material hasreached a predetermined shape.

A further object of this invention is to provide a material formingapparatus including indicator means for indicating the selected setposition of the forming apparatus at the beginning of a formingoperation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a materialforming head for use in forming a shaped configuration in a length ofmaterial.

Still another object of this invention is to provide support means forsupporting a series of material forming heads to permit relativemovement of the heads in response to the length of material being formedinto the predetermined shaped configurations.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method offorming a predetermined shape in a length of material without damagingthe material during the forming operation.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a material formingapparatus which is simple in construction, economical to manufacture,and reliable in operation.

These and other objects and advantages of the details of theconstruction will become apparent after reading the accompanyingdescription of one illustrative embodiment of the invention withreference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference charactershave been used to refer to like parts throughout the several figures ofdrawing, and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective viewof the material forming apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded perspective view of thematerial forming heads with certain parts omitted and certain partsbroken away and shown in section for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing a series of the material forming headsin an extended position, with certain parts omitted for purposes ofclarity;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view showing a series of the formingheads in a retracted position, with certain parts omitted for purposesof clarity;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view illustrating the setablelimit stop control means and the power control means for returning aforming head to an extended position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of one of the formingheads taken substantially midway through the forming head, with certainparts omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of the forming head shown in FIG.6 with certain parts broken away and certain parts omitted for purposesof clarity;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional plan view of a portion of the forminghead illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the limit stop control meansfor a forming head;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along lines10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along lines1l-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an electrical schematic diagram of the motor control meansfor moving a forming head to an extended open position; and

FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic diagram of the hydraulicpump motorand a schematic illustration of the hydraulic flow lines associated withthe forming heads.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT Referring now to thedrawings, the material forming apparatus will be described withreference to a support framework 10, a series of forming heads andcontrol means 70, 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the support framework 10includes a series of vertical support elements 11. Support elements 11are maintained in a verticallyoriented and horizontally spaced positionby a runner 12 connected along the lower edge thereof. Connected alongan upper edge of each of the support elements 11 is a channel shapedguide track means 13. The channel shaped guide track means 13 issupported by elements 11 in a horizontal position and is provided with aguiding track for use in moveably supporting a series of materialforming heads 20 which will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

The support frame work includes a second channel shaped guide trackmeans 13 supported in space relationship relative to the first guidetrack means 13. The second guide track means 13 is oriented in co-planeralignment and in parallel relationship relative to the first guide track13. The guide tracks 13 are maintained in a predetermined spacerelationship by means of end support frame works 14. The verticalsupport elements 11 for supporting the second guide track means 13 arenot shown however, they are similar to the vertical support elements 11shown for the first guide track 13 (FIG. 1). The material formingapparatus support frame work is provided with a substantially enclosedarea by providing sheet metal covering material 15 between each of thesupport elements 11, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 6-8, each of the materialforming heads 20 includes a pair of support shafts 21. Support shafts 21are maintained in spaced relationship by means of end connecting members22. A pair of roller elements 23 are rotatively supported on an outerside of member 22 for rolling engagement within the guide track means13, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. Each of the material forming headsincludes a pair of short support shafts 24 which are connected adjacentone end to end supporting member 22 and are connected adjacent anopposite end to a cross connecting member 25 which is supported by shaft21. As shown in FIG. 2, the short support shafts 24 provides a slidingsupport for a slide block 26. Slide block 26 is provided with openingscomplimentary to the support shaft 24 and is supported thereon to permitslide block 26 to be freely movable between the end support member 22and the cross supporting member 25.

Adjacent material forming heads are connected together by a linkagesystem 30. The linkage system includes a first link 31 pivotallyconnecting adjacent one end by a pivot bolt 33 provided in an endsupport element 22. An opposite end of the first link 31 is pivotallysupported by a pivot bolt 33 provided in a slide box 26. As shown inFIG. 2, the linkage connecting system includes a pair of second links35. The pair of second links 35 are pivotally connected adjacent one endby a pivot bolt 33 mounted within an end support member 22 and ispivotally supported adjacent an opposite end by a pivot bolt 33 mountedwithin a slide box supporting element 26. The first link 31 and secondpair of links 35 are pivotally connected to each other adjacent at anintermediate portion thereof by a pivot connecting bolt 38, as shown inFIG. 2. The above described linkage system will permit movement of theforming heads 20 along tracks 13 between an extended position as shownin FIG. 3 to a retracted position as shown in FIG. 4 while maintainingthe forming heads in parallel relationship.

As adjacent material forming heads are moved from an extended positionto a retracted position, the slide blocks 26 supported by shafts 24 willbe moved from a position adjacent cross support member 25 to a positionadjacent the end support member 22. A return movement of the materialforming heads from a retracted position to an extended position willagain return the slide support blocks 26 from a position adjacent endsupport member 22 to a position adjacent cross supporting member 25.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, each of the materialforming heads includes a bending mechanism 40 supported on a plateelement 41. Plate 41 is of substantially rectangular shape and isprovided with a journal block 42 supported adjacent each of the cornersand extending downwardly to be journaled on support shafts 21. Thejournal blocks 42 are detailed with complementary openings to permitsliding'movement of the support plate relative to the support shafts 21.The material forming head bending mechanism includes a first bendingmeans 43. The first bending means 43 includes a hydraulic controlcylinder 44. Control cylinder 44 is connected adjacent one end to plate41 by a support bracket 45. Cylinder 41 includes a conventional operablepiston rod 46. Connected to an extended end of piston rod 46 is amaterial forming element 47. The material forming element 47 includesoppositely directed shaped notches 48 which are supported in slidingengagement with the opposite edges of a slot 49 provided in a supportplate 41. The oppositely directed notches 48 and slot edges 49 providesa supporting track for the forming element 47 as it is moved by thepiston rod from a retracted inoperative position forward to an extendedmaterial forming position.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 6 and 7, the material formingelement 47 is provided with a .connecting rod 50 which extends outwardlyfrom the forming element 47 in parallel relationship to the piston rod46. Secured to an outer extended end of connecting rod 50 is a camshaped ejector member 51. The cam shaped ejector member 51 is providedfor ejecting a formed length of material from within the bendingmechanism after a forming operation has been completed. The details ofthe ejection process will be described in more detail herein below.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cam ejector element 51 is provided withan upwardly extending notch 52 detailed for receiving a limit stop bolt55. The limit stop bolt 55 is adjustably supported by an upstandingplate element 56 secured to an edged portion of supporting plate 41.Limit stop bolt 55 is provided for limiting the degree of movement ofthe forming element 47 in a forming operation, as will be described inmore detail herein below in the operation of the material formingapparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 7 and 8, the bending mechanism 40 includes asecond material forming means 57. The second material forming meansincludes a pair of space lug guide members 58. The lug guide members 58are pivotally supported by pivot bolts 59 which are supportedbetween'supporting plate 41 and a top plate element 60. Top plateelement 60 extends from the upper edge of end plate 56, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. Each of the lug guide members 58 is spring urged to aretracted position as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 by means of a torsionspring element 61 which is supported around pivot bolt 59 and detailedto spring urge the lug guide element 58 to a retracted position wherebythe lug guide element contacts sides 62. The sides 62 are providedbetween the top plate 60 and bottom supporting plate 41 and served aslimit stops for maintaining the lug guide elements 58 in an alignedouter position (FIGS. 7 and 8).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, each of the material forming heads isprovided with a cover means 63 provided for covering the operatingcylinder 44 and also detailed to include a sloped guide surface 64. Theslope guide surface 64 will serve to guide a length of material toformed into proper position relative to the material forming heads. Thecover plates 63 are secured to the bending mechanism support plate 41 byconventional means (not shown). The sloping guide surface 64 is detailedto extend from an upper position adjacent the right edge of supportplate 41 (FIG. 6) to a lower position above and adjacent the extendedend of element 47 when element 47 is held in a retracted position.

Each of the bending mechanisms 40 are slidably supported on supportshaft 21 by means of the blocks 42 and adjacent bending mechanisms arespring urged in opposite directions by a pair of tension springs 65. Asshown in FIG. 2, one of the bending mechanisms is spring urged to theright by connecting one end of the tension springs 65 to a left edge ofsupport plate 41 and connecting an opposite end of the tension springs65 to the cross support member 25. An adjacent one of the materialforming head bending mechanism 41 is spring urged to the left byconnecting one end of tension springs 65 to the supporting plate 41adjacent one end and connecting an opposite end of the tension springs65 to end connecting member 22. The function and operation of thetension springs will be described in more detail herein below in thedescription of the operation of the material forming apparatus.

The forming elements 47 and spaced guide lugs 58 define an upwardly openrecess therebetween detailed for receiving a length of material to beformed. The material forming heads 20 are detailed in supportingrelationship in an extended position as shown in FIG. 3 whereby theupwardly open recesses are in lateral longitudinal alignment.

Operation of the power control cylinders 44 to extend piston rods 46 iseffected by means of a conventional hydraulic pump schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 13. Fluid from the hydraulic pump 70 is deliveredalong supply line 72. The fluid supply line 72 is connected by branchlines to each of the hydraulic cylinders 44. Fluid is exhausted from thehydraulic cylinders 44 along a return line 73 to retract piston rod 46and forming element 47. Power for effecting operation of the hydraulicpump 70 is provided by a conventional electric motor means 71. Thecontrol for motor 71 includes a manual control switch 74, a limit stopswitch 75 connected in series and a manual override switch 103 connectedin parallel for operation of hydraulic pump 70 to retract piston rod 46.

As shown in FIG. 5 and 9, the limit stop switch 75 is adjustablysupported on. an upstanding support framework 99 provided along an upperedge of channel track means 13. The limit stop switch is held in anadjusted set position by means of a locking screw 76. A conventionalcontrol lever 77 is operatively connected to the limit switch 75 foreffecting operation thereof. With the control lever 77 in a lowerposition as shown in FIG. 9, limit switch 75 will be closed to allowelectrical power to flow to the'motor 71. Movement of control arm 77upward bya contact member 78 will effect an opening of the limit switch75 thereby interrupting the flow of current to the motor 71. Contactmember 78 is supported on one of the outermost material forming heads20.

Operation of the material forming heads 20 in a material operation willcause the material forming head to move along guide'tracks 13 from anextended position (as shown in FIG. 3) to a retracted position (as shownin FIG. 4). The degree of movement of the material forming heads fromthe retracted position to the extended position can be adjusted bysecuring the limit stop switch 75 in a selected set position along thesupport frame 99. The operation of the material forming head and thelimit switch 75 will be described in more detail herein below in thedescription of the operation of the material forming apparatus.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 4 and 5, a power motor means 80 isprovided for returning the material forming heads 20 from the retractedmaterial forming position (as shown in FIG. 4) to an extended position(as shown in FIG. 3). Power from motor 80 is delivered to a conventionalgear box 81. Drive from gear box 81 is delivered by a drive shaft 82 toa sprocket element 83. A drive chain 84 is supported by drive sprocket83 and by a second sprocket 85. Chain 84 is connected by a connectingbracket 86 to a right outermost material forming head 20 (as shown inFIG. The power motor 80 and chain and sprocket drive 82, 83, etc. isprovided for returning a material forming head from the retractedmaterial forming position to the extended open position.

As shown in FIG. 4, drive from drive shaft 82 is delivered by a gear 87to an idler gear 88 supported by a stud shaft 89. The stud shaft 89 anddrive shaft 82 are journaled in the support framework by conventionalbearing means (not shown). Mounted on support shaft 89 is a sprocket 90.Sprocket 90 is operatively connected to a chain element 91 which is indriving engagement with a second sprocket 92. Chain 91 is provided witha bracket 93 for connecting the chain to the left most material forminghead 20, as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring nowparticularly to FIG. 1, the material forming apparatus isprovided with 15 material forming heads 20. The 15 material heads aredivided into two groups. The center most material forming head 20A(shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) is held in a fixed position relative to theguide track 13 by'conventional means (not shown). The first group ofmaterial forming heads is supported on the left side of the fixedmaterial forming head 20A (as shown in FIG. 1) and the second group ofmaterial forming heads is located on the right side of the fixed supportmaterial forming head 20A. The above described power control meansincluding motor 80, drive shaft 82 and chain and sprocket drives 83, 84,etc. are supported on the support framework such that the fixed materialforming head 20A is supported directly above the space between sprocketelements 83, 90 as shown in FIG. 5. Chain drive element 84 is providedfor returning the right most group of material forming heads to anextended position and the chain drive 91 is provided for returning theleft most material forming head to an extended position. Since all ofthe material forming heads in both the first and second groups areconnected to each other by the linkage system 30, it is only necessaryto connect the drive chains 84 and 91 to the outer most material formingheads, as shown in FIG. 5.

The illustrative embodiment of the material forming apparatus includesmaterial forming heads, however, the number of material forming headscould be easily changed to add more or less depending upon the length ofmaterial to be formed and on the predetermined shape in which thematerial is to be formed. Also, it would be possible to eliminate one ofthe groups of material forming heads and to provide those materialforming heads to the left or to the right of the fixed material forminghead.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 5 and 9, movement of the materialforming heads 20 from a retracted position to the extended position bythe power motor means is controlled by a manual control switch 102 and alimit stop switch 95. Manual control switch 102 is provided adjacent theleft edge of the material forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1. Limitstop switch 95 is adjustably supported by the upstanding frame member99. Limit stop switch 95 includes an adjustable set screw means 96detailed for securing the limit stop switch 95 in a desired set positionalong supporting frame 99. Limit switch 95 is provided with a controlarm 97 detailed for effecting an opening and closing of the limitswitch. Operation of control arm 97 is effected by means of a contactmember 98 supported by the leftmost material forming head 20, shown inFIGS. 5 and 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, an indicating scale 100 is provided along the uppersurface of guide track 13 and supported adjacent a pointer element 101provided on the leftmost material forming head 20. The operation of thelimit switches 75 and 95 and the indicating scale 100 will be describedin more detail herein below in the description of the operation of thematerial forming apparatus.

OPERATION To begin a material forming operation, the material formingheads must be in their extended position, substantially as shown in FIG.1 and 3. With the material forming heads in their extended position, thelinkage system 30 will support the material forming heads in parallelequal space relationship relative to each other. The material formingheads of the first group located to the left of the fixed materialforming head 20A and the material forming heads of the second grouplocated to the right of the fixed material forming head 20A are equallyspaced relative to the fixed supporting head 20A. The outer limit of theoutermost material forming heads is set according to the length ofmaterial to be formed, and the desired distance between adjacent angularformations to be provided in the formed material.

After the length of material to be formed is known and the distancebetween the adjacent offset angles are known, the distance from thefixed material forming head 20A to the outermost material forming head20 is calculated. This calculated distance can be measured off along theindicator scale 100 with the indicator point 101 set at the calculatedoutermost extended position of the outermost material forming head. Withthe outermost material forming head set in its outermost position, thelimit stop switch 95 is then adjusted along the support framework 99such that the contact member 98 will effect movement of control arm 97to operate limit switch 95 when the outermost material forming head ismoved to the desired outermost position.

The extent of inward movement of the material forming heads from theoutermost extended position along the guide track means 13 willdetermine the pitch of the angular formation and the formed length ofmaterial. After a desired angle has been determined, the limit stopswitch 75 is adjusted along the support 99 such that the contact member78 will effect operation of limit switch 75. In the material formingoperation, forming heads 20 will move from the outer extended positioninward a sufficient amount to effect formation of the desired pitchangle in the length of material, after which the contact member 78 willoperate limit switch 75 thereby interrupting the flow of power 'to thehydraulic drive motor 71.

A material forming operation is begun with the outermost materialforming heads moved to their desired outer limit positions and inengagement with the set limit stop switches 95. With the materialforming heads in their extended outer position, a length of material tobe formed is placed on top of the material guiding surface 64. Thelength of material will roll down the sloping surface 64 and fall intothe recess formed between forming element 47 and guide lugs 58, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 6. At the beginning of a forming operation, the guidinglugs 58 are held in their retracted outer position by the torsionsprings 61. With the guiding lugs in their outer retracted position, asshown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the guiding lugs 58 present a guiding andcontact surface which is in parallel alignment to the longitudinal axisof an unformed length of material. The space guiding lugs 58 are alsosupported on opposite sides of the forming element 47 to define aforming area therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7.

With a length of material to be formed supported in position in front ofthe forming elements 47, a forming operation is begun by closing themanual control switch 74. With manual control switch 74 closed, and withthe forming heads moved to their outer position, the limit switch 75will also be closed allowing current to flow to drive motor 71.Operation of drive motor 71 will effect operation of the hydraulic pump70 to force liquid under pressure along supply line 72 to each' of thehydraulic cylinders 44. Operation of hydraulic cylinders 44 will effecta projecting movement of the forming elements 47. As the formingelements 47 are moved outwardly, the forward edge thereof will contact alength of material supported in a position to be formed. A continuedmovement of the forming element 47 will press the length of materialagainst the space guide lugs 58. As the forming element continues tomove outwardly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the length of material will beforced in between guide lugs 58. The guide lugs 58 will pivot aboutsupport pivots 59 such that the guide lugs 58 will allow the material tobe formed to a desired angle without damaging the length of material inthe forming process.

As the angle is formed in the length of material, the adjacent materialforming heads will be drawn inwardly toward the fixed material forminghead 20A, due to the shortening of the length of material having formedangles therein. The lateral displacement of formed angles will causeadjacent material forming heads to slide along support shafts 21 againsttension spring 65.

As shown in FIG. 4, the spaced guide lug elements 58 will be moved to apivoted position whereby the surfaces contacting the length of materialwill be substantially parallel to the two sides of the angles formed inthe length of material and will present a surface substantiallycomplementary to the forming element 47.

The operation of hydraulic cylinders 44 will continue to form the anglein the length of material until the contacting member 78 contacts thecontrol arm 77 of limit switch 75 to interrupt the flow of power tohydraulic drive motor 71. The adjustable limit stop bolt 53 proreachedbefore the stop switch has interrupted the flow of current to hydraulicdrive motor 70, the limit stop bolt will contact the formed angle toprevent any further movement of forming element 47. With angle formationin a length of material stopped by bolt 53,

the hydraulic fluid supplied to a hydraulic cylinder 44 will flow alongsupply line 72 to an adjacent hydraulic cylinder until the limit stopswitch 75 has been operated by the contact member 78.

After a length of material has been formed to the desired shape andlimit switch 75 has stopped operation of the hydraulic drive motor 71,the formed length of material is ejected from the forming apparatus byoperation of a conventional valve means not shown and by operation of amanual control switch 103 which will allow electrical current to bypassthe manual switch 74 and limit stop switches 75 to effect operation ofthe hydraulic motor 71 and pump 70 to force hydraulic fluid along supplyline 73 causing the piston rods 46 to be forced inwardly of thehydraulic cylinders 44. Movement of piston rods 46 inwardly willwithdraw the forming elements 47 from the space between the guide lugs58. As the forming elements 47 are moved inwardly by piston rods 46, theejector cam member 51 will move to the right (as shown in FIG. 6) whichwill cause the ejector camming surface to contact the formed length ofmaterial thereby forcing the formed length of material upwardly and outof the forming heads.

After a formed length of material has been removed from the formingapparatus, the forming heads are moved to their outer extended positionby operation of the manual control switch 102. Since the limit stopswitch 95 is not operated by the contact member 98 when the formingheads are moved inwardly to their forming position, power will flowalong manual switch 102 and limit stop switch 95 to the motor therebydriving shaft 82 which will in turn effect operation of the drive chains84, 91 to return the forming heads to their outer extended position. Theforming heads will move outwardly until the contact member 98 effectsand operation of the outer limit stop switches 95. As the materialforming heads are moved from the retracted position to the extendedposition, the linkage system 30 will maintain the forming heads in theircorrect parallel spaced apart relationship. After a length of formingmaterial has been ejected from the forming heads, the tension springs 65will again return the bending mechanisms 40 to their correct positionwhereby the recess formed between forming element 47 and guiding lugs 58will be in longitudinal aligned relationship ready to receive a nextlength of material to be formed.

In the illustrative embodiment described herein above, each of thematerial bending mechanisms 40 of a material forming head 20 issupported for sliding movement relative to the support shaft 21.However, the material forming operation could be performed by holdingalternate ones of the material bending mechanisms 40 in a fixed positionrelative to shaft 21.

It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrative embodimentis capable of obtaining the above stated objects and advantages. It isobvious that those skilled in the art may make modifications in thedetails of construction without departing from the spirit of theinvention, which is to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A material forming head for use in forming a length of material,comprising, in combination:

a. first material bending means mounted on said head, said first bendingmeans including a shaped, notched portion;

. second material bending means mounted on said head, said secondbending means including a shaped projecting portion, said first andsecond material bending means being mounted horizontally;

c. means for effecting relative movement between said first and secondbending means, said relative movement being detailed such that saidprojecting portion extends into said notched portion;

means for supporting a length of material on said head in a position tobe formed by said bending means in response to said relative movementtoward each other; and

e. said second bending means including an inclined cam means spaced fromsaid projecting portion and moveable, upon relative movement of saidbending means away from each other, to eject the length of material,

2. A material forrning head as described in claim 1 furthercharacterized in that said material forming heads include material guidemeans for guiding a length of material into position between said firstand second bending means for a forming operation.

3. In a material forming apparatus for use in forming a series ofpredetermined shaped configurations in a length of material, comprising:

a. a supporting framework;

b. a pair of guide track means mounted on said supporting framework,said guide track means being supported in parallel spaced apartrelationship;

0. a series of material forming heads supported by said guide trackmeans, each of said heads including opposed means moveable with respectto each other for bending to a predetermined shape an increment of thelength of material disposed therebetween;

d. means for supporting a length of material on said apparatus in aposition for spaced increments thereof to be bent by said forming heads;

e. control means operatively associated with said material forming headsfor simultaneously actuating said forming heads for effecting a formingoperation; and

f. means operatively connecting a number of said forming heads wherebysaid connected forming heads can be moved relative to each other alongsaid guide track means from an extended open position detailed forreceiving a length of material to a retracted material formed position.

4. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 3 furthercharacterized in that at least one of said material forming heads issupported in a fixed position relatively to said guide track means andwherein said other material forming heads are moveable along said guidetrack means from said extended position to said retracted position.

5. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 3 furthercharacterized in that said control means includes limit stop meansoperatively associated with said guide track means and with one of saidmaterial forming heads for stopping said forming operation in responseto said one material forming head reaching a stop limit position.

6. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 3 furthercharacterized in that said material forming heads includes power meansfor effecting movement of said material forming heads from saidretracted position to said extended position after a material formingoperation and wherein limit stop means is operatively associated withsaid guide track means and with one of said material forming heads forindicating a limit position of movement of said material forming headsto said extended open position.

7. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 6 furthercharacterized in that said limit stop means is selectively setable alongsaid guide track means and wherein said guide track means is providedwith indicator means for indicating a desired set position of said limitstop means.

8. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 5 furthercharacterized in that said limit stop means is selectively adjustablealong said guide track means whereby the degree of movement of saidmaterial forming heads along said guide track means can be adjusted to aselected set position.

9. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 3 furthercharacterized in that said means operatively connecting said moveablematerial forming heads includes linkage control means pivotly connectingone material forming head to an adjacent material forming head, saidlinkage being detailed for maintaining adjacent material forming headsin a fixed angular relationship relative to each other during movementfrom said extended position to said retracted position.

10. In a method of forming a predetermined shape in a length of materialincluding the steps of:

a. supporting a length of material in a position to be formed;contacting increments of said length of material at equally spacedlocations on alternate sides thereof by predetermined shaped formingelements;

0. contacting said length of material with pairs of spaced contactingmeans at spaced locations on opposite sides of said material from eachpredetermined shaped forming element;

. effecting relative movement between said forming elements and saidspaced contacting means to thereby simultaneously apply a plurality ofbending forces between the elements and their contact means sufficientto bend each increment of material between them into a shapecomplementary to the shapes of said predetermined elements whilemaintaining contact between said spaced contact means and said length ofmaterial.

1 l. The method defined in claim 10 wherein the bending of saidincrements causes said length of material to pull simultaneously theforming elements and their associated contact means toward each other.

12. The method defined in claim 11 including releasing the bent materialand returning said forming elements and contact means to their originalpositions 13. A material forming apparatus for use in simultaneouslybending spaced increments of a length of material into angular shape,comprising:

a. a linkage system having a plurality of pairs of an adjacent crossedrigid links, each pair being pivotally connected together by theirintermediate portions and also pivotally connected at their end portionsto the end portions of the links of the next adjacent pair of links;

b. material forming heads disposed at certain of the pivotalconnections, each of said forming heads including a forming elementmoveable laterally in a path between the pivotally connected endportions of said links; and a notched member opposite said formingelement for cooperating with said forming element for bending theincrement of said material disposed therebetween upon relative movementof said forming element and said notched member adjacent ones of saidforming heads being mounted for bending the material in oppositedirections;

c. common control means for creating the relative movement in eachforming head between its forming element and its notched member uponactuation of said control means; and

d. said links being sufficiently moveable that the bending of saidmaterial by said forming heads will cause pivotal movement of the linkswith respect to each other so that said forming heads are simultaneouslymoved longitudinally toward each other during the bending operation.

14. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 13 wherein saidforming element includes a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder, apiston rod connected to said piston and projecting from said cylinder,and a tapered projecting portion mounted on the end of said piston forprojection and retraction toward and away from said notched member.

15. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 13 including guidemeans supported between transversely opposed pivotal connections of saidlinks for guiding said forming heads, the connection between said guidemeans and one of the pivotally connected links including a slidableblock for slidably retaining said guide means parallel to all other suchguide means whereby each of said heads in maintained in parallelrelationship for lateral movement along parallel paths while the sameare moved inwardly toward each other during the bending operation.

16. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 13 including asupport, a pair of parallel tracks disposed on said support, and aplurality of guide means extending transversely between said tracks andconnected to the pivotal connection of said links for guiding said headsin their lateral movements, said guide means being longitudinallymoveable toward and away from each other.

17. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 16 including stopson said tracks for limiting the movement of certain of said guide means.

18. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 13 wherein saidcontrol means includes a hydraulic pump and said head elements includehydraulic pistons and cylinders connected to said hydraulic pump wherebyall such pistons are moved simultaneously with approximately the sameamount of pressure.

19. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 13 wherein each ofsaid heads includes camming means mounted thereon for ejecting a formedlength of material from said head, in response to movement of the headto an inoperative position.

1. A material forming head for use in forming a length of material,comprising, in combination: a. first material bending means mounted onsaid head, said first bending means including a shaped, notched portion;b. second material bending means mounted on said head, said secondbending means including a shaped projecting portion, said first andsecond material bending means being moUnted horizontally; c. means foreffecting relative movement between said first and second bending means,said relative movement being detailed such that said projecting portionextends into said notched portion; d. means for supporting a length ofmaterial on said head in a position to be formed by said bending meansin response to said relative movement toward each other; and e. saidsecond bending means including an inclined cam means spaced from saidprojecting portion and moveable, upon relative movement of said bendingmeans away from each other, to eject the length of material.
 2. Amaterial forming head as described in claim 1 further characterized inthat said material forming heads include material guide means forguiding a length of material into position between said first and secondbending means for a forming operation.
 3. In a material formingapparatus for use in forming a series of predetermined shapedconfigurations in a length of material, comprising: a. a supportingframework; b. a pair of guide track means mounted on said supportingframework, said guide track means being supported in parallel spacedapart relationship; c. a series of material forming heads supported bysaid guide track means, each of said heads including opposed meansmoveable with respect to each other for bending to a predetermined shapean increment of the length of material disposed therebetween; d. meansfor supporting a length of material on said apparatus in a position forspaced increments thereof to be bent by said forming heads; e. controlmeans operatively associated with said material forming heads forsimultaneously actuating said forming heads for effecting a formingoperation; and f. means operatively connecting a number of said formingheads whereby said connected forming heads can be moved relative to eachother along said guide track means from an extended open positiondetailed for receiving a length of material to a retracted materialformed position.
 4. In a material forming apparatus as described inclaim 3 further characterized in that at least one of said materialforming heads is supported in a fixed position relatively to said guidetrack means and wherein said other material forming heads are moveablealong said guide track means from said extended position to saidretracted position.
 5. In a material forming apparatus as described inclaim 3 further characterized in that said control means includes limitstop means operatively associated with said guide track means and withone of said material forming heads for stopping said forming operationin response to said one material forming head reaching a stop limitposition.
 6. In a material forming apparatus as described in claim 3further characterized in that said material forming heads includes powermeans for effecting movement of said material forming heads from saidretracted position to said extended position after a material formingoperation and wherein limit stop means is operatively associated withsaid guide track means and with one of said material forming heads forindicating a limit position of movement of said material forming headsto said extended open position.
 7. In a material forming apparatus asdescribed in claim 6 further characterized in that said limit stop meansis selectively setable along said guide track means and wherein saidguide track means is provided with indicator means for indicating adesired set position of said limit stop means.
 8. In a material formingapparatus as described in claim 5 further characterized in that saidlimit stop means is selectively adjustable along said guide track meanswhereby the degree of movement of said material forming heads along saidguide track means can be adjusted to a selected set position.
 9. In amaterial forming apparatus as described in claim 3 further characterizedin that said means operatively connecting said moveable material formingheads includes linkage control means pivotly connecting one materialforming head to an adjacent material forming head, said linkage beingdetailed for maintaining adjacent material forming heads in a fixedangular relationship relative to each other during movement from saidextended position to said retracted position.
 10. In a method of forminga predetermined shape in a length of material including the steps of: a.supporting a length of material in a position to be formed; b.contacting increments of said length of material at equally spacedlocations on alternate sides thereof by predetermined shaped formingelements; c. contacting said length of material with pairs of spacedcontacting means at spaced locations on opposite sides of said materialfrom each predetermined shaped forming element; d. effecting relativemovement between said forming elements and said spaced contacting meansto thereby simultaneously apply a plurality of bending forces betweenthe elements and their contact means sufficient to bend each incrementof material between them into a shape complementary to the shapes ofsaid predetermined elements while maintaining contact between saidspaced contact means and said length of material.
 11. The method definedin claim 10 wherein the bending of said increments causes said length ofmaterial to pull simultaneously the forming elements and theirassociated contact means toward each other.
 12. The method defined inclaim 11 including releasing the bent material and returning saidforming elements and contact means to their original positions.
 13. Amaterial forming apparatus for use in simultaneously bending spacedincrements of a length of material into angular shape, comprising: a. alinkage system having a plurality of pairs of an adjacent crossed rigidlinks, each pair being pivotally connected together by theirintermediate portions and also pivotally connected at their end portionsto the end portions of the links of the next adjacent pair of links; b.material forming heads disposed at certain of the pivotal connections,each of said forming heads including a forming element moveablelaterally in a path between the pivotally connected end portions of saidlinks; and a notched member opposite said forming element forcooperating with said forming element for bending the increment of saidmaterial disposed therebetween upon relative movement of said formingelement and said notched member adjacent ones of said forming headsbeing mounted for bending the material in opposite directions; c. commoncontrol means for creating the relative movement in each forming headbetween its forming element and its notched member upon actuation ofsaid control means; and d. said links being sufficiently moveable thatthe bending of said material by said forming heads will cause pivotalmovement of the links with respect to each other so that said formingheads are simultaneously moved longitudinally toward each other duringthe bending operation.
 14. The material forming apparatus defined inclaim 13 wherein said forming element includes a cylinder, a pistonwithin said cylinder, a piston rod connected to said piston andprojecting from said cylinder, and a tapered projecting portion mountedon the end of said piston for projection and retraction toward and awayfrom said notched member.
 15. The material forming apparatus defined inclaim 13 including guide means supported between transversely opposedpivotal connections of said links for guiding said forming heads, theconnection between said guide means and one of the pivotally connectedlinks including a slidable block for slidably retaining said guide meansparallel to all other such guide means whereby each of said heads inmaintained in parallel relationship for lateral movement along parallelpaths while the same are moved inwardly toward each other during thebending operation.
 16. The material forming apparatus defined in claim13 including a support, a pair of parallEl tracks disposed on saidsupport, and a plurality of guide means extending transversely betweensaid tracks and connected to the pivotal connection of said links forguiding said heads in their lateral movements, said guide means beinglongitudinally moveable toward and away from each other.
 17. Thematerial forming apparatus defined in claim 16 including stops on saidtracks for limiting the movement of certain of said guide means.
 18. Thematerial forming apparatus defined in claim 13 wherein said controlmeans includes a hydraulic pump and said head elements include hydraulicpistons and cylinders connected to said hydraulic pump whereby all suchpistons are moved simultaneously with approximately the same amount ofpressure.
 19. The material forming apparatus defined in claim 13 whereineach of said heads includes camming means mounted thereon for ejecting aformed length of material from said head, in response to movement of thehead to an inoperative position.